Jaipur, the fascinating capital of Rajasthan, is an entropy of noisy winding streets buzzing with an endless swarm of careening buses, auto-rickshaws and motorbikes, through which imperturbable camels forge their way. In the midst of this chaos, the majesty and splendour of Jaipur’s history will seem like an oasis, allowing you a glimpse into another world. At the centre of that world sits the City Palace - which is still home to the former royal family, the superb Jantar Mantar - the royal observatory, and the honeycombed Hawa Mahal with the bazaar below. The city is surrounded with arid hills that shelter the magnificence of Amber Fort, undoubtedly Jaipur’s greatest attraction.

Agra’s many Mughal era buildings, among which the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, make it a favourite tourist destination. The timeless essence of the Taj Mahal shrouds the monument in an aura of magic. The Muslim Emperor Shah Jahan, of the Mughal dynasty, had it built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, his favourite wife, who died giving birth to their fourteenth child. The Taj Mahal was to be a gift to this most beloved wife and a lasting monument to the emperor’s love. The construction began in 1631 and the complex of buildings and gardens were completed in 1654. It sits on the banks of the River Yamuna, in the city of Agra. A combination of Persian and Islamic architecture, the walls of white marble are set with jewels and beautifully ornamented with carving and calligraphy. Some 20,000 workers are said to have worked for over 20 years to fulfil the promise of the bereaved shah.

Chambal Valley is a choice destination for bird-watchers who will have the opportunity to view rare birds such as Cranes and Indian Skimmers. Travellers can also enjoy a comprehensive eco-tourism experience visiting villages, Sarus Crane Reserve, or Bateshwar riverside temple. They can go on a ravine Jeep safari, a camel safari, or board a boat on the Chambal river to catch sight of alligators, crocodiles and Gangetic dolphins.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Madhya Pradesh features Hindu and Jain temples, built for the most part between 950 and 1050 by the Chandela dynasty. By the 12th century, the site had as many as 85 temples spread over 20 square kilometres. Today, only about 25 of these temples subsist, covering an area of 6 square kilometres. The site is renowned for its nagara style architecture and erotic sculptures. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, in particular, is ornate with intricately detailed sculptures, demonstrating the symbolism and expressiveness of the art of ancient India.

On the banks of the river Ganges, Varanasi is a major centre for Hindu pilgrimage and one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. It attracts flocks of pilgrims who come to the ghats to bathe in the sacred waters of the river. Hindus also come to cremate their departed loved ones, as it is believed that dying in this city will bring salvation by freeing the spirit from the cycles of rebirth.

Bodhgaya, a village in the northeastern Indian state of Bihar, is home to the ancient Mahabodhi Temple Complex, which was built to mark the site where Prince Siddharta became the Buddha by attaining enlightenment beneath a sacred Bodhi Tree. This makes it the most important pilgrimage site in the Buddhist world. Next to the temple stands the Bodhi tree, a direct descendant of the original tree which was growing in that most hallowed ground 2600 years ago. Thousands of pilgrims come from around the world every year to pray, study and meditate.

An atmosphere of intense devotion surrounds the little town, where many monasteries and temples were built in their national style by foreign Buddhist communities.

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), the capital of the state of West Bengal, used to be an East India Company trading post. It was India's capital under the British Raj from 1773–1911. Travellers to Kolkata come to see its grand colonial architecture, art galleries and various cultural festivals. It’s also home to Mother House, headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa, whose tomb is there.

Kolkata is the third most populated metropolitan area in India, after Delhi and Bombay. To Westerners, the city often conjures up images of squalid poverty, human misery and suffering, yet it is widely regarded as the cultural, artistic, intellectual and educational capital of India. In the former capital of British India, slums cohabit with splendid colonial architecture, squalor rubs shoulders with grandeur, futuristic skyscrapers with total decay. Poverty is still very present, but the growing middle class is now at the core of the development of modern Kolkata and the new generation of millennials thrives on a burgeoning hipster culture, while the Bengali gentry visit posh clubs dating back to the colonial era. A blend of the East and the West, a place of sharp contrasts and contradictions, Kolkata is a city you need to “feel” more than see.

Experience Royal Rajasthani living at the magnificent Alsisar Haveli, the heritage hotel in Rajasthan. For five centuries, Maharajas of Rajasthan have enjoyed the magnificence and grandeur of this regal setting that offers them an aristocratic yet relaxed feel.

In the centre of Jaipur pink city, Alsisar Haveli – the heritage hotel is a delightful combination of monarchical architecture, refined hospitality and stately ambiance. Remaining faithful to its pristine original architecture and interior design, the hotel has been tastefully renovated with special care to preserve its high level of excellence, comfort and flair.

 

 

Just an hour’s drive from the Taj Mahal, in the heart of the Chambal Valley, you will find a haven of peace nestled in serene woodlands. Mela Khoti - The Chambal Safari Lodge, offers a warm and friendly sanctuary to each and every guest, whether they are looking for adventure or for a peaceful rest away from the hustle and bustle. This land will hold you spellbound!

A passion for wildlife and conservation was what encouraged Shyamendra Singh, grandson of Maharaja of Nagod to establish the lodge in 1986. After humble debuts, it was washed out twice in the floods of 1992 and 2007, but has been lovingly rebuilt each time, out of materials coming mostly from villages and neighbouring areas. It is set on a forested estate of 50 acres, home to many mammals, birds and reptiles.

This palace has a rich history dating back to 1812, making it one of the oldest landmarks in the city. In 1915, the Brahmin King of Darbhanga acquired the hotel and the Ghat on which it is built, hence its name of Darbhanga Ghat. The guests who stay at the Brijrama palace are treated like royalty. The palace interior is exquisitely decorated with beautiful antiques that capture the imagination and will send you back to the early days of the palace, while you bask in its beautifully serene atmosphere. The hotel offers musical mornings and evenings, exclusive dining experience, and will even surprise you at check out time! When you leave, the aura of magic and romance will linger on and accompany you on your journey.

Surrounded by greenery, away from the rush and crowd of Bodh Gaya. Located just 3 kilometers from the Mahabodhi temple and the Holy Bodhi tree. 4 Kilometers from the Gaya International Airport.

The Oberoi Grand is ideally located in the centre of Kolkatta, close to the central business district, busy markets and cultural landmarks. Built in the late 1880’s, the Oberoi Grand, also affectionately nicknamed the Grande Dame of Chowringhee, was accustomed to receiving the elite of colonial British India. Today, it still hosts grand events for Heads of State in the grand ballroom.